I joined the LeADERS program to develop my leadership skills and gain practical experience in leading and working with teams. This program offered a structured and comprehensive approach to leadership development, providing opportunities for personal growth and networking. The program’s focus on self-discovery, team-building, communication, conflict resolution, and strategic planning aligned well with my interests, career and academic goals.
As a student in the ODU Leaders Program, encountered several significant challenges, time management, balancing coursework with extracurricular activities and employment, and adapting to new situations and environments. To overcome these challenges, I developed effective time management skills, prioritized my commitments, and strengthen my communication skills when partnering with other. I was able to build a support system of peers, mentors, and advisors who offered guidance and feedback. I was able to embrace a growth mindset, be open to new experiences, and seek out opportunities to learn and grow as a leader. By doing so, I overcame the challenges I encountered and made the most of my experience in the ODU Leaders Program.
As a cybersecurity graduate with a previous Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, my goals upon graduation are threefold. Firstly, I aim to have a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, such as risk management, threat assessment, and incident response. I will familiarize myself with security frameworks such as ISO 27001 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Secondly, I aim to gain practical experience in using various security tools, writing secure code, and becoming proficient in programming languages. Finally, I will develop strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams from different backgrounds.
With my background in Human Services, I recognize the importance of clear communication and collaboration skills. I will build on my experience by developing these skills further, especially in communicating technical information in non-technical terms to management and stakeholders. As a cybersecurity professional, it will be critical to work effectively with teams from various departments, backgrounds, and levels of technical expertise. I was able to create several portfolios that speak to this experience:
This background has given me a unique perspective on risk management and incident response. It will help me to assess and analyze cybersecurity risks, and manage incidents effectively. I will also use my experience in Human Services to work with organizations that handle sensitive data, such as healthcare or financial institutions.
My previous Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, combined with my education and training in cybersecurity, will help me to achieve my goals of developing a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, gaining practical experience with security tools, and developing effective communication and collaboration skills. Ultimately, I aim to use my unique perspective and skills to work with organizations that require effective cybersecurity risk management, and incident response.